Rick Scott heads to Puerto Rico

Days after campaigning in the heart of Florida's Puerto Rican community, Gov. Rick Scott is to travel Monday to the territory, yet another sign of how crucial he views the population to his Senate campaign.

The trip will be made in Scott's role as governor, but the politics are obvious. Sen. Bill Nelson was in Kissimmee as well on Friday and has traveled to Puerto Rico.

Tens of thousands of Puerto Ricans have come to Florida after Hurricane Maria and their votes are coveted — even as the Election Day power may be overstated — in what is expected to be a close election.

Scott's office said he was invited by Puerto Rico's Lt. Gov and Secretary of State Luis G. Rivera-Marin, "to continue to offer guidance, advice and assistance regarding ongoing Hurricane Maria recovery efforts."

"The governor will also be visiting with volunteer workers with the American Red Cross in Puerto Rico to thank them for their continued efforts. A more detailed schedule will be released in the coming days."

Scott has made the community a focus — repeated efforts that come as President Donald Trump has been criticized over the crisis. On Friday, FEMA said it would extend a housing assistance program after people in the Orlando area had been told they would have to leave.

The extension runs through mid May.